Behavioral dynamics provide insight into resource exploitation and habitat coexistence of two octopus species in a shallow Florida lagoon
Bennice, C.O.; Brooks, W.R.; Hanlon, R.T. (2021). Behavioral dynamics provide insight into resource exploitation and habitat coexistence of two octopus species in a shallow Florida lagoon. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 542-543: 151592. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2021.151592
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697, more
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| Keywords |
Cephalopoda [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Resource partitioning, Behavioral ecology, Activity periods, Diet, Cephalopods, Saltatory search |
| Authors | | Top |
- Bennice, C.O.
- Brooks, W.R.
- Hanlon, R.T.
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| Abstract |
Multiple octopus species inhabit overlapping ecohabitats worldwide yet little is known about the behavioral mechanisms that facilitate such coexistence. To distinguish coexistence mechanisms of Octopus vulgaris and Macrotritopus defilippi in high densities, rigorous fieldwork was conducted to examine their respective foraging strategies. Direct observations via SCUBA diving combined with active and remote video demonstrated that O. vulgaris was primarily nocturnal, foraged on hard bottom substrate, and consumed mostly bivalves while M. defilippi was strictly diurnal, foraged on soft bottom substrate, and consumed exclusively crustaceans. Both species showed a saltatory (stop and go) foraging tactic dominated by speculative bottom searching, which is guided by visual scanning and decision making, followed by tactile endeavors of the arms and chemotactile suckers. Species-specific behaviors were parachute attack (O. vulgaris), mimicry of flounder swimming (M. defilippi), and tripod stance (M. defilippi). Coexistence between these two species results primarily from differences in resource use (habitat and diet) and temporal and spatial heterogeneity. Incorporating species-specific behavioral habits is a key tool for understanding octopus ecology and coexistence. |
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